Tue, Jan 5, 2021
New TxPEP research published in JAMA shows that in-state abortion declined 38% during the COVID-19 executive order. Patients also sought care out of state and were delayed later into pregnancy.
Highlights of the JAMA study include:
- The number of abortions in Texas declined 38% in April 2020, while the executive order was in effect, compared to April 2019 (4,608 to 2,856).
- Texas residents receiving care at out-of-state facilities in the study increased from 157 in February 2020 to 947 in April 2020.
- After the Governor’s order expired in May 2020, there was an 61% increase in second-trimester abortion.
A TxPEP research brief released in conjunction features interviews conducted with 10 Texas residents seeking abortion while the order was in effect. The interviews reveal that the patients encountered numerous barriers to access, risked increased exposure to COVID-19, and faced significant economic and emotional tolls.